T.J. and Melvin Miles (front) were the Fairfax Fair Parade Grand Marshals Saturday, August 11, 2018. Pictured riding in the parade with them are their daughters, Lori Smith and Susan Mattson (back).

Submitted by
their daughters
Melvin and Thelma Jean “T.J.” (Stevens) Miles were married on December 23, 1959, in Depauw, Indiana. Melvin is the son of Walter and Anna Elizabeth “Beth” (Holmes) Miles and a lifelong resident of rural Fairfax in the Elkdale Community. T.J. is the daughter of Sheldon and Zelma Stevens, was born in Detroit, and was raised in southern Indiana. They are the parents of two daughters: Lori (Gregg) Smith, Fairfax, and Susan (Tim) Mattson, Maryville, Missouri. They are grandparents to Miles (Amber) Smith, Fairfax; Leslie (Joey) Kankovsky, Omaha, Nebraska; Nic Mattson, Kansas City, Missouri; and, Tate Mattson, Columbia, Missouri. They are great-grandparents to Zailynn Cook, and anxiously await the births of Baby Smith and Baby Kankovsky as the sixth generation of their Miles’ family. Melvin and T.J. are long-time members of the Fairfax Baptist Church. He is a deacon and usher, and she has served faithfully in many different facets of the church through the years.
Melvin served the United States Army from 1958-60 stationed in Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, and Ft. Knox, Kentucky. On July 4, 1959, Melvin and T.J. met on a blind date. He was stationed at Ft. Knox and she worked at the Blue Boar Café in Louisville, Kentucky, while attending Indiana Central College in Indianapolis, Indiana (now University of Indianapolis). After Melvin’s service to the Army finished in January 1960, they moved to and currently reside on the home place of his Uncle Harry and Aunt Elsie Miles. It became a Missouri Century Farm in 2016.
Through the years, Melvin and T.J. have farmed their place and the original Miles Family Century Farm established by grandparents John Hildred and Fannie Elizabeth (Creed) Miles in March 1896. It is where Walter was literally born and passed, Melvin was raised, and Lori and Gregg have raised their family and currently reside. It became a Missouri Century Farm in 1996. In addition, Melvin and T.J. farmed for their neighbors, John and Fay Bowness, for over 30 years. These farms have produced corn, beans, and many hay bales! The big red and white barn on the original family farm was home to many mules and milk cows in the early years. Cattle, hogs, and chickens were livestock raised on the farms, and milk and eggs were goods once sold. T.J. has grown wonderful large vegetable gardens that have fed their family and many others at their table and beautiful flower gardens, all that she has enjoyed tending. Melvin has also enjoyed the restoration of his 1963 Ford, “Old Green,” pick-up and the many miles trucking grain in his 1972 Chevrolet ten-wheeler, “Old Blackie.” Lori and Susan were raised learning the ways of the farm walking beans, working in the hayfields, mowing the yard, and lending a hand where necessary. Their Grandma Stevens once noted, “I was always afraid Mel would make boys out of those girls”!
Melvin and T.J. continue to enjoy farm life and time with their family and friends. And they are very honored to have their grandson, Miles, as their partner in the farming operation.

The Southeast Nebraska Community Band performed at the Fairfax Fair Saturday evening, August 11, 2018. The band, which includes members of all ages, performed a “Super Hero Concert” with many patriotic songs.

Mic-O-Say dancers perform

The Mic-O-Say Tribe performed several dances at the Fairfax Fair Saturday night, August 11, 2018. Pictured is Maven Vette, son of David Vette and Nicole Salmond of Maryville, Missouri, both formerly of Atchison County.

EA Jr. High School Cheerleaders

The East Atchison Jr. High Cheerleaders performed for the crowd at the Fairfax Fair Saturday night, August 11, 2018.

The Baptist Trio

The Baptist Trio, including Deanna Beck, Tiffany Miller, and Julie Koop, performed “Nail it to the Cross” and “Power in the Blood” at the Fairfax Fair Saturday night, August 11, 2018.

Darius Skillen

Darius Skillen of Rock Port entertained the crowd with “Call Me Back” and “Make It Rain” at the Fairfax Fair Saturday night, August 11, 2018.

Clint Dougherty

Clint Dougherty of Rock Port provided the last songs of the night with “You Love Me Anyway” and “Friend in Jesus” at the Fairfax Fair Saturday, August 11, 2018.

Erica Taylor of Rock Port sang “Granted” and “Softly and Tenderly” at the Fairfax Fair Saturday night, August 11, 2018.

EA High School Cheerleaders

The East Atchison High School Cheerleading Squad performed for the crowd at the Fairfax Fair Saturday night, August 11, 2018.

Veterans honored

Veterans in the crowd at the Fairfax Fair Saturday, August 11, were asked to stand and be recognized for their service to our country and in honor of their “Superhero” status for their willingness to go above and beyond in times of need.

The winners of the Little Mr. and Miss Fairfax contest were crowned Friday evening, August 10, 2018, at the Fairfax Fair. They were Wendy Hurst (Little Miss Fairfax) and Trevelyan Hicks-Bolin (Little Mr. Fairfax).

2018 Miss Fairfax Jaycee Graves was all smiles for the Fairfax Fair Parade.

Jr. Miss Fairfax Payton Woodring was part of the Fairfax Fair Royalty who participated in the parade.

Wonder Woman even made an appearance at the Fairfax Fair Parade. She looks strikingly familiar. She could be Betty Wennihan’s twin.

The 53rd annual Fairfax Fair was a great reminder to us all that “There is a Superhero inside all of us.” We should all strive to dig deep and help others and our small communities. With that theme in their minds, hundreds of people gathered in Fairfax, Missouri, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, August 11-13, 2018, to take part in this annual event.
Friday night’s festivities began with opening ceremonies a little after 6 p.m. on a stage beautifully decorated by Michelle Oswald and plants by KG Buds. Fairfax Legionnaires raised the flag with the help of local Boy Scouts and last year’s Little Mr. and Miss Fairfax, Mackenzie Oswald and Alex Wintz, as well as other children, led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance. Knox Oswald gave the blessing and 2018 Miss Fairfax Katy Baker sang the “Star Spangled Banner.” Fairfax Mayor Ryan Kingery welcomed all to the Fairfax Fair.
The baby show had adorable tiny tots and their doting parents and grandparents lining up on the stage. Babies and youth from birth to four years of age were showcased, and they were oh so adorable.
Those competing in the Little Mr. and Miss Fairfax Contest were each asked a question and then judges picked the two winners. The judge’s had a tough decision to make, but ultimately, Trevelyan Hicks-Bolin was selected as Little Mr. Fairfax and Wendy Hurst was selected as Little Miss Fairfax.
The queen contest was emceed by Devon Sons, with Katrina Lock, Ashley Mayall, and Brittany Teel as judges. Payton Woodring was the only contestant for the Junior Miss Fairfax competition, so following a question and answer session and her talent portion (reciting her award-winning essay on how she can promote Americanism within her school and community), Payton was crowned Junior Miss Fairfax. This year’s Miss Fairfax contestants included Gena Mitchell, Jaycee Graves, Jesse Graves, McKenzie Frohn, and Olivia Morris. Each contestant was introduced and then showed off their talents. Gena Mitchell awed the crowd with her singing of Alison Krauss’ “When You Say Nothing At All.” McKenzie Frohn wowed the crowd by singing “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele. Attendees enjoyed a nice instrumental performance by Jesse Graves on the timpani, accompanied by Suzanne Southard. Jaycee Graves showed off her writing and reciting talents with her poem “My Town.” Olivia Morris beautifully sang “Love Triangle” by RaeLynn. The girls then randomly selected a question from Emcee Sons. Organizers Jill Kingery and Kris Umbarger talked about the contest, which was turned into a service scholarship award last year. The winner is required to provide 25 hours of community service and attend community organization meetings. She will receive a $1,000 scholarship upon her graduation. 2017 Miss Fairfax Katy Baker described her experience as queen over the past year. Finally, the judges announced the winners. Gena Mitchell was chosen as “Miss Congeniality.” Olivia Morris was the 1st runner-up. Jaycee Graves was crowned Miss Fairfax. Jaycee was serenaded by Tim McFarland, who sang the Miss Fairfax version of Miss America’s song, while she was crowned and wrapped in a green cloak by last year’s Miss Fairfax Katy Baker. Little Mr. and Miss Fairfax, Junior Miss Fairfax, Miss Congeniality, 1st Runner-Up, and Miss Fairfax all rode in the Fairfax Fair Parade on Saturday.
A Best-Dressed Superhero Contest was also held during the fair. A youth dance on the park slab rounded out each night’s festivities.
Before the parade began on Saturday, Harry Combs’ old time tractor reunion was held in the parking lot of the old hospital site on Main Street. Tractors and farm machinery of all ages, shapes and sizes were displayed and many were driven in the parade.
The parade is one of the highlights of the fair weekend and paradegoers were lined up the entire length of Main Street waiting to see all the sights and sounds and to pick up as much candy as possible. The parade was led by legionnaires, followed by the Fairfax Marching Pride, and also included emergency vehicles, Shriners’ horses, buggies, and cars, antique and classic cars and trucks, floats, ATVs, tractors, farm trucks, semis, and wagons. The Optimist Club members threw out ping pong balls from their float and the lucky recipients were able to turn in their ping pong balls at the park for a prize.
The park was full of game, food, and organization booths and many people enjoyed stopping at each one both Friday and Saturday. Saturday night entertainment included the East Atchison jr. high and high school cheerleaders, the Southeast Nebraska Community Band, Mic-O-Say Tribe dancers, and performances by Erica Taylor, The Baptist Trio (Deanna Beck, Julie Koop, and Tiffany Miller), Darius Skillen, Josie Watkins, and Clint Dougherty. The night’s events were emceed by Bill Slaughter, who also handed out raffle prizes sponsored by various organizations.
Sunday dawned with the Fairfax Ministerial Alliance holding a community church service, followed by a dinner at the Fairfax Community Room sponsored by the After Prom Committee. All in all it was a beautiful weekend and a beautiful example of the blessings of small town living.

At top: If you are a kid, all you need is a balloon to have a good time. These two youngsters, Zailynn Cook and Addy Giddinge, are full of laughter as they run around with a balloon during the fair.

Nebraska City will celebrate the 50th Annual AppleJack Festival September 21-23 with a weekend full of fun activities! It’s a Flashback AppleJack; in addition to the usual offerings of craft and vendor fairs, a Fun Run, food courts, the AppleJam Carnival, pancake feed, marching band competition parade, and classic car show, Nebraska City is bringing back old favorites like water barrel fights, apple peeling contest, apple pie baking contest, and more!
Everything about the 50th Annual AppleJack Festival promises to be “Golden” Delicious! If you like caramel apples, apple pie, fresh and spicy apple cider doughnuts, apple wine, or just a lovely crisp apple, then this is the festival for you. Meander through apple orchards, snack on handfuls of kettle corn, wash it down with freshly-pressed apple cider, and browse throughout historic Nebraska City. Area museums will be open all weekend long. You don’t want to miss the replica Civil War-era Confederate submarine that will be on display outside the Civil War Veterans Museum downtown.
In 2015, USA Today ranked AppleJack as the third Best Fall Harvest Festival in the country . . . but don’t just take their word for it. Fall is the perfect time to visit Nebraska City, whether you are in search of fun-filled family adventure or a cozy getaway. Visit GoNebraskaCity.com to learn more about the area’s eclectic shops, vineyards, orchards, recreation activities, and world-class lodging opportunities. There’s a little something for everyone in Nebraska City.
For a complete schedule of events for the 50th Annual AppleJack Festival, visit GoNebraskaCity.com. The website will be updated continuously in the weeks prior to the event.

Seeding winter annual small grain offers fall grazing for beef cow herds short on grass and hay.
“Lots of calls are coming in,” said Craig Roberts, University of Missouri Extension forage specialist. He offers encouraging words and cautions.
Interest grew as some local USDA Farm Service Agency offices offer added drought disaster assistance.
Drilling wheat, cereal rye or oats can provide forage. Seeded in the fall, the grain crops become annual grass pasture for fall and winter. They supply quick grazing when fall rains return. Wheat and rye also provide more forage early next spring.
Annual grasses give short-term gain but could start long-term pasture renovation.
Thickly seeded grain crops can kill weak existing forages. “If you have a good stand of fescue or alfalfa, don’t drill grain seedings on that land. Annual grain crops should be seeded only on weak pastures,” Roberts said. “There should be plenty of those this year.”
Rob Kallenbach, MU forage specialist, cautioned that he has seeded winter grains into strong stands of fescue in his research. “All failed,” he added. “Fescue sod makes strong competition.”
Farmers should use caution seeding into an alfalfa field. “The cost of getting alfalfa seeded must be protected. Seed only into weak alfalfa stands that need renovation,” Roberts said.
The weekly MU agronomy teleconference covered several forage options. Regional agronomists pose local problems for open discussion. Ideas are shared among regional and state specialists.
Last week, specialists talked of small grain to use for forage. Cereal rye remains winter-hardy with quick regrowth next spring. The weaker oats give good fall growth but fade over winter. That leaves land open in spring for planting crops or seeding pastures.
This year needs extra attention to stockpiling fescue pastures for winter grazing, according to specialists.
“If there was ever a year to apply fall nitrogen, this is it,” said John Lory, MU Extension soil specialist. “You’ll get a big bang for your buck.” High-price hay makes grazing forage a cost cutter.
Fall pasture care includes clipping stemmy fescue seed heads to encourage regrowth. In normal years this includes grazing down to three inches. However, in drought areas most grass leaves are already too short.
Winter pasture stockpile needs 40 to 50 pounds of nitrogen fertilizer per acre. This should go on by mid-August before fall rains. Most years those rains start Sept. 1.
A field staff member added that fall-applied nitrogen won’t be wasted if rains don’t come. Fertilizer will still be there for spring growth. Usually spring nitrogen isn’t needed. If it doesn’t rain, spring forage becomes worth even more.
“All plans for fall grass growth depend on return of rains.” Roberts says. “Just assume rains will come. They usually do.”
Farmers recall the drought of 2012. An extreme summer drought that year broke when big rains came the first week of September. Remnants of a Gulf Coast hurricane soaked much of the state. That rain restored grasses and made a soybean crop. Droughts do end.
Grazing wasn’t the only topic last week. Specialists reported some farmers began baling cornstalks that did not make grain. Drought-stress forages should be tested for high nitrate content. Most county extension offices have refreshed quick-test kits for nitrates.
MU livestock and agronomy specialists can be reached through extension centers in every county.

]]>http://farmerpublishing.com/small-grain-crops-seeded-this-fall-replace-dry-pastures-for-cow-herds/feed/0Making Silage from Drought Damaged Cornhttp://farmerpublishing.com/making-silage-from-drought-damaged-corn/
http://farmerpublishing.com/making-silage-from-drought-damaged-corn/#respondTue, 14 Aug 2018 20:27:49 +0000http://farmerpublishing.com/?p=26983Drought has damaged corn in many areas. Growers should examine fields for grain potential.
Corn fields and even some irrigated fields have suffered severe drought or heat damage. Silage can salvage this crop, but some harvest modifications may be needed.
Most of the green, low grain corn is too wet right now to make good silage directly. In fact, even plants with brown bottom leaves may be too wet because stalks hold so much moisture. Usually, 65 to 70 percent moisture is ideal for bunker-type silos, but green stalks and leaves of corn can contain over 80 percent water.
Direct chopping and ensiling this wet corn can cause heavy seepage and a sour silage. The easiest way to lower moisture content is to wait until plants dry more naturally.
This may not happen until later and then it might quickly get too dry. If you can’t wait, you can windrow corn and allow it to field wilt a few hours before chopping.
Taking the time to check the moisture content before harvesting could save a lot of trouble later. MU publication G3151 contains detailed information on how to measure the moisture content of silage using a microwave oven.
Drought-damaged corn should be chopped to 3×8” to 1×2” in length. This length of chop should help in packing the silage to exclude as much oxygen as possible. Producers should also sharpen the knives on their equipment before making silage.
High nitrate levels are frequently found where high levels of nitrogen fertilizer were applied and where drought-damaged corn is chopped a few days after a rain. Be sure to raise cutter bar to leave 10” to 12” of stalk in the field. Nitrates tend to accumulate in the lower portion of the stalks of drought stressed corn.
For more information, contact Wayne Flanary, Regional Agronomist, University of Missouri Extension at 660-446-3724.
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